Butte County, South Dakota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Butte County, South Dakota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winler clay, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 197K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lismas clay, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 149K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slickspots-Wasa complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Absher-Slickspots complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 55K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pierre clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pierre clay, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arvada-Slickspots complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Hisle-Slickspots complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wasa-Slickspots complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twotop clay, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kyle clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twilight-Assinniboine fine sandy loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stetter clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swanboy clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twilight fine sandy loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Epsie-Shale land complex, 9 to 45 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sage-Slickspots complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midway-Razor silty clay loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shale land | 22K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Scroggin loams, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.